
Going Straight 1916
In the silent-era drama "Going Straight (1916)", Chester M. Franklin crafts a tense story about redemption and danger lurking beneath respectable facades. A former convict and his wife, once active in the criminal underworld, have rebuilt their lives as law-abiding citizens.
Director: Chester M. Franklin
Cast







Frequently Asked Questions
What is Going Straight (1916) about?
"Going Straight" follows a couple who've left their criminal past behind, only to face a brutal ultimatum when an old gang member threatens to expose their secrets. Forced to choose between safety and their hard-won reputations, the tension escalates as the heist looms closer. The film examines whether anyone can truly escape their past.
Who directed Going Straight?
Chester M. Franklin directed "Going Straight". He was known for his work in early silent films, often blending drama with moral and social themes.
Who stars in Going Straight?
Norma Talmadge and Ralph Lewis headline the cast, with standout performances supported by Ninon Fovieri, Francis Carpenter, and Fern Collier in key roles.
Is Going Straight (1916) worth watching?
While "Going Straight" lacks an IMDb rating, its gripping narrative and strong performances make it a noteworthy silent-era crime drama. Fans of early cinema and moral dilemmas will appreciate its atmospheric tension, though modern viewers may find the pacing and style distinctly vintage.
How long is Going Straight?
Going Straight runs approximately 60 minutes.
About Going Straight (1916) — A Silent Drama About Redemption and the Shadows of the Past
In the silent-era drama "Going Straight (1916)", Chester M. Franklin crafts a tense story about redemption and danger lurking beneath respectable facades. A former convict and his wife, once active in the criminal underworld, have rebuilt their lives as law-abiding citizens. Their fragile peace shatters when an old gang member reappears, blackmailing the couple with threats of exposure unless they participate in a dangerous heist. The film explores themes of guilt, the struggle for legitimacy, and the inescapable pull of past identities, all wrapped in the atmospheric tension of early 20th-century crime dramas.
Norma Talmadge delivers a standout performance as the wife caught between loyalty to her husband and the fear of slipping back into a life of crime. Ralph Lewis complements her as the conflicted ex-convict, while the supporting cast adds depth to the criminal underworld's lingering shadow. With its dramatic confrontations and moral dilemmas, "Going Straight (1916)" remains a compelling snapshot of silent-era storytelling, blending crime with human drama in a way that feels both timeless and uniquely of its era.